Loopwheels - magic voodoo suspension

[mat777]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1205277475/loo...

These look like they could be good for commuting bikes where suspension forks would stop the folding mechanism. I presume they would also absorb less energy when trying to stand up and cycle uphill?

[anonymous-user]

Saw them launched at Bespoked, they look good though I was left thinking if there wasnt an element of them being "the answer to the question no one has asked" but the backers seem serious given the donations to donors ratio.

I'm no physicist but I cant see any performance related benefits. Surely they will absorb more energy produced by the rider compared to regular hub and spoke wheels, some of your effort must be lost in the compression of the loops though that may well be recovered as they recoil in every revolution? I guess its the same principle as rear suspension on a mountain bike? I also think 45mm of travel is way too much, on bumpy roads, cobbles and things the wheels could give a yo-yo effect but comfort would appear to be the priority. Would they need to be "in sync" to achieve optimal function?



I havent ridden a 20" bike for any period of time to say if they are uncomfortable over cobbles etc either but I can see the benefits. Sticking them on a BMX would be fun though!...

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 25th April 20:19

[itsnotarace]

It's a clever idea but, as above, I fail to see the benefits. A bit like Girvin Flexstems

[DrMekon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0_P2mLV7nI

Looks fun.

Wouldn't want them on BMX though.